Udhampur

Severe heatwave conditions continued to affect Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the intense spell is likely to persist until Wednesday.

Udhampur remains among the worst-affected areas in the region, as several parts of North India continue to experience unusually high temperatures. According to the IMD, daytime temperatures across northern states are expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius until June 11 before gradually declining by 3 to 5 degrees in the following days.

The weather office has issued heatwave alerts for isolated areas across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, with warnings remaining in effect through June 11 in most places.

However, relief may be on the horizon as a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to influence the weather over the Western Himalayan region beginning June 11.

The approaching system is likely to trigger a significant change in weather conditions across large parts of North India. The IMD has forecast isolated to scattered rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between June 9 and June 14.

Rainfall activity is also expected to spread to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan from June 10 to June 14.

The transition in weather could be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. The IMD has warned of thunder squalls with wind speeds ranging between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour, along with lightning and gusty conditions, particularly over Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on June 11 and 12.

In addition, isolated hailstorms are likely in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the same period. Similar conditions may also affect parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on June 12.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, follow local weather advisories and take necessary precautions, especially in areas vulnerable to thunderstorms and sudden weather changes.

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The anticipated rainfall and drop in temperatures are expected to bring much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave, although the possibility of severe weather events warrants continued caution.